A Q/A with the Hamilton-Wenham Edfund's Michelle Horgan

Michelle Horgan is the latest Hamilton-Wenham Edfund president. The Chronicle spent a few minutes catching up with her in the Q/A below.

How many years have you been involved with the EdFund and you past positions with it?

Since joining the Hamilton Wenham Edfund Board in 2015, I have been involved with the Development, Grants and Halloween Party committees. Each of the committees have given me the opportunity to better understand the importance of the HWEdfund in our school district.

What would you say the EdFund provides to the district?

The Edfund is committed to advancing educational excellence in the Hamilton Wenham Regional Schools, that is our mission. The Edfund, through the generosity of our supporters, gives our students and teachers the opportunity to implement state of the art technology and programs that go above and beyond the operating budget of the district. The Edfund allows our teachers to be innovative and creative. As a result our students and our community all benefit.

What are some past projects the EdFund has supported for the HWRSD that you consider successful?

Wow, where to begin? If you were to stop by each of the district’s five schools, the majority of cutting edge equipment, technologies and learning concepts have been funded by the Edfund. In the past we have funded the Hydroponic Wall at the Miles River Middle School, The Learning Commons Room at Cutler, the 3D printer at the Regional High School. This past year alone, we funded nine grants that totaled over $90,000. A few of the grants included: Frame by Frame Grant, linking technology with art through digital photography and animation. The Heart Tech Grant, giving students the opportunity to work with heart rate monitors and directly linking their physical activities with their health. Interactive Theater featuring Lizzie Borden; a collaboration between theater, forensic science and legal debate.

How much has been raised by the EdFund in total and how much is planned to be given away this year?

Our Annual Appeal last year brought in over $80,000. Our goal is to grant $100,000 to the school district this school year. We give away every penny we raise. In addition to the generous contributions from our community, we manage an endowment of over $2 million that generates enough income to cover the modest operating costs of our all-volunteer organization while enabling the Hamilton Wenham EdFund to return nearly 100 percent of the annual donations we receive to the school system. We believe the Edfund’s multi-generational approach helps to ensure the legacy of commitment to our schools started a quarter of a century ago will continue to benefit our children well into the future.

Any particular projects the EdFund hopes to support or push this year?

The beauty of the Edfund is that all grants are teacher driven. HWRSD educators are dedicated professionals who continuously strive to enhance and enrich the academic lives of the students. Every year we are amazed at the high level of creativity and technologically advanced grants that are presented to us. I am sure this year will be no different.

When are these grants to be given out? Any timeline for these projects to go live?

The grants are presented to us throughout the school year and the turnaround time is very responsive. Last year’s Frame By Frame grant was presented and approved by the Board in December 2016 and was in the classroom by February 2017. We are a very proactive board.

Looking ahead, what sorts of projects is the Edfund hoping to find in applications from teachers?

Creativity and cutting edge programs vary by subject area and grade level, this is not a one size fits all endeavor. I can say that we are looking for innovative programs for our elementary, middle and high schools and across all disciplines. We support programs that will provide our students with distinct competitive advantages.

Why would you consider this focus by the EdFund important?

Today’s students need to be armed with a varied skill set enabling them to successfully navigate the constantly changing landscape that lies ahead of them.

How can people get involved as donors or volunteers?

We will be mailing out our Annual Appeal very shortly. Please consider supporting the Edfund through the Annual Appeal as this is our most comprehensive fundraiser. The annual Halloween Party and Christmas Tree Sale are also opportunities for community support of the Edfund and volunteering opportunities. To donate please visit us online at http://www.hwedfund.org/ and like us on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/HWEdfund/